SLEEPING POLICEMEN Meaning and
Definition
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A "sleeping policeman" refers to a road traffic calming measure typically installed on roads with excessive speeding or a high accident rate. It is a raised feature, often made of asphalt or concrete, positioned across the road surface, usually in the form of a hump or ridge. The term is derived from the fact that these traffic calming devices resemble a person lying down when viewed from the sides.
The purpose of sleeping policemen is to slow down vehicles, encouraging drivers to reduce their speed to a safer level. By raising the level of the road, they create an obstacle that forces drivers to slow down in order to navigate the bump without discomfort or damage to their vehicles. Sleeping policemen are commonly implemented in residential areas, school zones, or areas with high pedestrian activity, as they protect vulnerable road users by decreasing the chance of accidents and deterring reckless driving behaviors.
They are also known as speed bumps, speed humps, or road humps in different countries, and their design may vary. The dimensions and slope of sleeping policemen are important factors that influence their effectiveness and driver compliance. Proper implementations ensure that they do not cause discomfort or excessive jolts to vehicles, while still effectively reducing vehicle speeds. Additionally, signage and road markings are often used to inform drivers of approaching sleeping policemen to prevent abrupt braking or accidents.
Common Misspellings for SLEEPING POLICEMEN
- aleeping policemen
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- xleeping policemen
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- wleeping policemen
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Etymology of SLEEPING POLICEMEN
The term "sleeping policemen" refers to a type of traffic calming measure, also known as speed bumps or road humps. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United Kingdom.
During this time, traffic calming measures were introduced to reduce vehicle speeds and improve road safety. One such measure was the use of raised concrete or asphalt humps on the road surface, resembling a sleeping or lying-down police officer.
The term "policemen" is a reference to law enforcement officers who are responsible for maintaining order and safety. The word "sleeping" describes the design of these raised structures, as they appear to be at rest when compared to an upright police officer.
Over time, the term "sleeping policemen" became popularized and commonly used to describe speed bumps or road humps in the UK and some other English-speaking countries.
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